This week, around the weekend, this man will turn 33.

I think I have told the story of the boy who had two birthdays? (It’s him, of course. What’s the point of the story if it isn’t about him? )

Back in 79, his mom delivered him at home with the help of a midwife on the 29th. However, his hospital records show he was born on the 28th. (And he only found out about this when he was in college). So, to avoid confusion, we let the kids know their dad’s bday is on the 28th. When they grow older (like Mato did), we explain the story of the two birthdays. As for me, I really feel it’s not fair for him if I don’t greet him on the 28th, and NOT celebrate on the 29th. So he always ends up having two mini-celebrations, or two birthdays . (Unfair for ME who celebrates my birthday two days after Valentine’s – and I only get ONE celebration for the two completely different events!) Haha.

Boyfriend Gifts – I think I’ve given him all the pretty much useless stuff he can own in his lifetime. And all the mushy, sentimental stuff too — all of which are in a box, buried under our bed, to be opened when we die. Haha. I kinda miss writing letters though. It was my forte back in the days, writing stuff that can make you go “awwww” (and Im not kidding!). But then again, the internet came. And writing creatively became writing for the money. You can say it has sucked out all the stuff that can make you go “awww” out of me. I only write to my kids now. And the one hundred and one articles I need to write every week.

But hey, don’t count me out just yet.
Maybe I can make the husband go “awww” again (I doubt it’s going to be because of my letter though, haha).

Happy 33 and 33 again Birthday Boy!

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Divorce is hard on anyone, especially a young couple. They’ve only recently decided that they want to commit their lives to each other, but somehow, something isn’t working that’s why their marriage is coming to an end. That’s bad enough, but what can make this event even more difficult is if there are children involved. The addition of a child or children to a stressful situation like a divorce adds another level of complication. If you find yourself in this situation, there are ways to make this process slightly less stressful.

Image via flickr.

Evaluate your situation

First, before you get a divorce, do some thinking. Is this problem something that will pass or is it something bigger? Don’t automatically jump to divorce if you and your spouse aren’t getting along. Marriage itself is difficult, and those first few years are the hardest of all.

It’s been said that a marriage is 50/50. Well, a 50/50 marriage is two people only going halfway. It should be 100/100. Try to work past personality differences, disagreements or whatever it is that is hurting the marriage. Naturally, if there are real irreconcilable differences, this might not work. And if there has been infidelity or abuse, then the damage might be too much to repair.

Do some research

If you and your spouse are heading for divorce and the problems can’t be fixed, do some research on how to file for divorce. Try to avoid any random TV-ad attorney who may be more interested in getting as much money as possible from your spouse or making a name for himself rather than actually helping you through this process. The internet has lots of articles about filing for divorce, many written by people who have been through it themselves.

Don’t let your kids get caught in the middle

A divorce can get messy. Children are sometimes caught in the middle of a vicious back-and-forth between their parents. If you’re going through one, it is natural to feel hurt, and you find yourself always hating your ex-to-be, but never use your children to hurt your spouse. They aren’t weapons or tools that you can use to your advantage.

Don’t let your kids blame themselves

If you are a young couple, your children are probably pretty young. They won’t be able to process what is happening. They may even think that their parents’ separation is somehow their fault. You and your spouse need to make it clear to your kids that what is happening is not their fault. If they are old enough to understand, explain it to them. This isn’t because of anything they did; mommy and daddy just can’t be married anymore.

If you are a young parent getting a divorce, keep your children in mind. Yes, the marriage you hoped would last forever is no more and, this is a difficult experience for you. Just remember that this time is hard on your kids too.

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My mantra: Find your own happy!
I will make a conscious effort to look at the positive side of things all the time throughout the year.
This is my way.

We weren’t able to attend the kids’ PTC last weekend so we had the chance to talk to their respective teachers individually the past few days. In a jiffy, the kids retained their academic standing but there were a few notes on their cards. The princess is showing good progress with regards to communicating orally. She has become more talkative but is still shy especially when being called to recite by herself. Her teacher has suggested she be evaluated with her speech since she feels that it is the reason why she doesn’t want to talk in front of class. It also has caused her to be a bit behind with reading so we will be enrolling her in additional classes and evaluated as well. I have always felt that the princess is a bit shy and doesn’t have that much confidence (her speech + missing teeth are contributing factors) so I really hope that she can catch up by next schoolyear. Her teacher assured me though that she is bright since she still is one of the top 10 students in class – her reading skills just need a little push. Distance Learning might be a solution during summer so she can still continue with her lessons.

The Big Brother, meanwhile, has some attitude adjustments to make. The Daed was the one to talk with his teacher and oh boy, it was a good thing I wasn’t there. It’s hard where to stand with your tweener. You need to tread the thin line of being a friend and being a parent and be cool and still be respected. But as we have learned during our parents’ retreat at school, Archbishop Tagle said kids don’t need friends. They need parents – standards, rules, expectations, consistency. This is how they should be brought up.

Parenting is hard! It makes me miss having babies even more

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And fret.
And worry.

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Sharing with you some of the things I’m keeping close to my heart this year:

My wish for YOU, for ME – for ALL OF US:

Surprise yourself with the things you can do this year. Have a great one.

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Image via Wikipedia

When you are young and healthy, insurance may seem like a waste of money. If you rarely need to see a doctor, feel that you are a safe driver and don’t smoke in bed in your apartment, you may think you don’t need insurance.

Having insurance is the only way to protect oneself against serious medical issues, car accidents, apartment fires and other hazards. Many students neglect investing in an insurance policy because money is tight, but this can be the very thing that spells disaster. Insurance premiums are easier to budget for than disasters that come out of the blue.
Read more… »

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You might want to get those personalized coins bearing the new Rizal face in 2011 P1 coins if youre into that stuff because 2011 is exiting in 48hours!

In 2011:
We went to Disney.
Edil turned 32. I turned 30. Martha turned 5 and Matthew turned 11. I don’t know about you but I can definitely feel we are missing some baby smell in da house!! Baby in 2012-2013 anyone?
Matthew and Martha ended their school years with honors.
They enrolled in swimming classes and became McDo Kiddie Crew members.
We were able to plant a tree in our name at the Shrine (all four of us!)
It was the first Mother’s day celebration where I was able to treat Mother Dear (@Sonya’s).
Edil and I served on a mission class to Singapore.
I served on a retreat class in Isabela.
Reconnected with Lolas – Lola Bining and Wawa Luning. Attended their birthdays too!
Tried Zucchini’s and Antonio’s – thanks to Dealgrocer.
Martha enrolled in ballet lessons.
Saints Parade – Mato as Padre Pio. Marts as St. Cecilia
Halloween – Mato as Aizen (Bleach). Marts as Princess Aurora.
Tutarpits Reunion.
FLCS Basketball League.
Bebots Xmas Party.
Days of December.

No travel plans for 2012 for us – not unless a miracle happens and we have funds. But hey – miracles happen everyday You just need to work as hard as you pray for it.

Hello 2012!!!

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